The village of Mere was a small and unimportant settlement in the early 13th century.[1] In 1243 Richard, the Earl of Cornwall, acquired the manor.[1] Richard was the brother of Henry III and immensely rich.[2] In 1253 he began to build a castle at Mere.[1]
The castle was built on Long Hill, a chalk ridge overlooking the village; the hill was flattened and scarped, with a Шаблон:Convert deep ditch cut into the west side.[1] As archaeologist Phil Mcmahon describes, documentary sources imply the castle was "a rectangular stone-built structure with six towers, incorporating a hall, an inner and outer gate, a deep well and a chapel", and it may have resembled a smaller version of Framlingham Castle.[3] The castle was probably entered from the west, with a possible road running up the south side of the hill.[4] At the same time the village was expanded into a planned town with an unofficial market.[5] The castle was renovated in 1300, possibly in response to the threat of rebellion in England at the time.[1]
Decline
Richard's son Edmund inherited the property, but on his death it was taken back by the Crown.[6] Edward II gave it to his royal favourite, Piers Gaveston, whom he made Earl of Cornwall.[6] Edward II and Gaveston fell from power in 1327 and John, Edward's second son, took possession as the new Earl of Cornwall.[6]Edward III then reacquired the castle, which became a permanent part of the Duchy of Cornwall.[6]
During the 14th century, however, the castle had declined and became abandoned.[7] In 1398 Richard II had the lead taken from the castle roofs for reuse at Portchester Castle.[7] In 1660, visitors' accounts imply that the stonework had all been dismantled, and 18th-century accounts suggest that this was reused for construction work in the town below, which had prospered from the wool and later linen trade.[8]
21st century
In the 21st century the site is protected under law as a scheduled monument. It is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, and leased to the local parish council.[9] A flagpole, which is illuminated at night, and a memorial to the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division are located on the castle site.[10] A ceremony is held at the castle site each Easter.[11]
Archaeological excavations of the site were carried out in 1887 by T. H. Baker and C. N. Wyld, but most of the results of their work were subsequently lost.[12]
